De Bruyne Stars As Manchester City Outclasses Newcastle
In his first Premier League match since the opening day of the 2023/2024 season, Manchester City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne inspired his side to a late 3-2 come-from-behind victory against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The host started Alexander Isak in attack with Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon supporting on the flanks. For the visitors, Julian Alvarez led the line, while Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden were on the wings.
Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 26th-minute after a brilliant close-range finish. However, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak curled in a stunning equaliser in the 35th minute to keep his side in the game.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon then sent the home fans into a frenzy with another lovely curled finished two minutes later to put his side ahead. 2-1!
Then City talisman De Bruyne, who has been out since August because of a hamstring injury, came off the bench in the 69th minute to equalise after he was left unmarked in outside the box. The Belgian brilliantly placed the ball past Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to mark his return in grand style. 2-2!
Trailing in the match and in need of some inspiration from the bench?
Enter, Kevin De Bruyne.
🎥 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/z2y6Lkh6Wh
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 13, 2024
De Bruyne then played the perfect pass in stoppage time for fellow substitute Oscar Bobb to secure the three points for Manchester City, which moved champions Manchester City into second place, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Manchester City have 43 points from 20 games with Liverpool on 45, while Newcastle’s fourth successive defeat left them 10th in the standings.
“That was really good, sometimes it is better winning that way for the team, for everything,” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said after the match.
“Incredible team the way we played with a huge personality. They showed me they want to be there, to fight until the end that they want to retain the title.”
A goal and an assist to lead a turnaround on your Premier League return? Not bad at all, Kevin De Bruyne 👏#NEWMCI pic.twitter.com/o0FDnsLGbN
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 13, 2024
Champions Manchester City will play Tottenham Hotspur next in the FA Cup on January 26th, before a return to Premier League action against sees Vincent Kompany’s Burnley on January 31st.
Newcastle will face Fulham at Craven Cottage in the fourth round of the FA Cup on January 27th, before they return to Premier League duty on January 30th when they travel to Aston Villa.
Saturday’s Premier League results
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
Newcastle 2-3 Manchester City.
A last-gasp victory sees @ManCity move up to second in the table 📈 pic.twitter.com/nRZyNt3swc
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 13, 2024
